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Get a load of the Nokia Asha 503's ice-cube aesthetic (pictures)

Trapped in carbonite? Been there, done that. The Nokia Asha 503 looks like a phone suspended in ice. And that's a good thing.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

The cool-looking Nokia Asha 503

I'm not going to monkey with you: yellow, red, green, blue, or just plain black or white, the Nokia Asha 503 looks cool and chiseled in any color.
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2 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Eye on design

It may be part of the budget Asha line for global markets, but Nokia definitely spent some time constructing this small, sturdy plastic phone in a way that makes it feel anything but plasticky. Here, you're looking at the 503's lock screen.
Nokia_Asha_503_35829232-7385-002.jpg
3 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Cornerstone

Take a peek at the phone's corners. Can you see the plastic coating that makes it look like the phone's trapped in a cube of ice? Sadly, the handset's 3-inch screen could expand much more within that thick black bezel.
Nokia_Asha_503_35829232-7381-001.jpg
4 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Camera and other features

As much fun as the phone is to look at, its performance pales. The Asha 503 has a 5-megapixel camera that's unfortunately fixed-focus and has a VGA-only recorder. The processor is slow, which makes routine duties like navigation and loading apps slow. Battery life is only rated to 4.5 hours over 3G.
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5 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

In profile

Bouncing back to the design, I do like the squared-off edges that manage not to feel too sharp, and which make the phone grippable.
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6 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Top view

You can really see the "ice" effect from the edges and top.
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7 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Button design

The shape and rise of the volume rocker and power button blend function with youthful fun.
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8 of 8 Josh Miller/CNET

Below decks

Beneath the back cover, you'll find the microSD card slot, which comes with a 4GB card built in.

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